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Duchess makes video appeal for Hospice Week

The Duchess of Cambridge has delivered her first ever video message to appeal for support for a campaign for children's hospices.

In the message, aired for the first time today, the Duchess urges people to support Children's Hospice Week.

The week, which runs until Friday, is run by UK children's palliative care charity Together for Short Lives.

In the video, the Duchess says: "As Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices I have been fortunate to see at first hand the remarkable work that they do for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families. It is simply transformational.

"There are 49 children's hospice services across the UK, all providing similar invaluable and life enhancing care to thousands of families."

Kate Middleton is a patron of several charities, including East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), which provides support and care for young people with life threatening conditions.

Graham Butland, chief executive of EACH, said: "The Duchess of Cambridge in her role as Royal Patron has brought great benefits to EACH. Her Royal Highness's involvement helps us to celebrate and raise awareness of the care and support we provide to life-threatened children and their families across East Anglia.

"To have our work recognised in this way has also given a great boost to the families we support, as well as our staff, supporters and volunteers.

"We're delighted to have Her Royal Highness's support during Children's Hospice Week, not only for EACH but for all children's hospices and palliative care services across the UK."